STRAIT OF HORMUZ & ENERGY SECURITY
Geopolitical tensions over freedom of navigation and oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz, involving Iran, the US and allied powers
36 articles
Live Updates: US-Israel War on Iran — Trump Dismisses Allies on Hormuz, Israel Claims Key Iranian Security Chiefs Killed
EL PAÍSÚltima hora del ataque de Estados Unidos e Israel contra Irán, en directo | Trump, sobre la negativa de sus aliados a sumarse a su ofensiva en Ormuz: “¡No necesitamos la ayuda de nadie!”
3/17/2026, 6:31:41 PM
The US-Israel military offensive against Iran continues to escalate, with Trump dismissing allied reluctance to join operations in the Strait of Hormuz by declaring "We don't need anyone's help!" Meanwhile, Israel claims to have killed Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief, as well as the head of the Basij paramilitary force — a killing confirmed by Iranian state media. Adding to the turmoil, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center has resigned, stating that "Iran did not pose an imminent threat."
Global Shipping Costs Surge as Middle East Tensions Choke Sea Routes
NDTVGlobal Shipping Costs Surge As Middle East Tensions Hit Sea Routes
3/17/2026, 5:39:50 PM
Escalating tensions in the Middle East are rippling into global shipping lanes, with the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the crisis. Rising freight costs are disrupting international trade as vessels navigate heightened risks along one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The turmoil threatens to drive up prices for goods and energy supplies across the globe.
Beyond Oil: The Other Strategic Commodities Choking at Hormuz
FRANCE 24Engrais, aluminium, hélium… Ces autres matières premières qui transitent par le détroit d’Ormuz
3/17/2026, 4:44:06 PM
The war in the Middle East has put a global spotlight on the Strait of Hormuz as a critical energy chokepoint, but the disruption extends far beyond oil and gas. Strategic commodities including fertilisers, aluminium and helium also flow through the strait, making any blockade a potential trigger for wide-ranging industrial and economic instability. The scale of dependence on this narrow waterway underscores just how catastrophic a prolonged closure could be for the global economy.
US Allies and China Respond Cautiously to Trump's Hormuz Naval Request
BBC WORLDWhat have US allies and China said about sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz?
3/17/2026, 4:35:29 PM
US allies have largely pushed back or remained noncommittal in response to President Trump's request to send naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping lane at the centre of regional tensions. Countries have cited varying concerns — from constitutional constraints to diplomatic calculations — in explaining their reluctance. China, meanwhile, has also declined to engage, signalling that a unified multilateral naval presence in the strait remains elusive.
How Iran Keeps Oil Flowing Despite the Hormuz Blockade
AL JAZEERA ARABICكيف تصدّر إيران نفطها بسلاسة رغم إغلاق مضيق هرمز؟
3/17/2026, 2:02:17 PM
Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has managed to continue exporting its crude oil through special alternative arrangements, raising significant questions about who benefits economically. The report highlights a sharp debate over whether Iran's economic gains from these workarounds outweigh the losses caused by damaged infrastructure and the broader conflict. The situation has drawn wide international attention to the resilience — and opacity — of Iran's oil export network.
Hormuz Gamble: Why a US Seizure of Iran's Key Island Could Backfire
RTThe Strait of Hormuz crisis: Why the US may be heading toward a strategic disaster
3/17/2026, 1:28:32 PM
A new analysis warns that while US forces could theoretically seize a strategically vital Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, doing so would trigger a cascade of unintended consequences rather than resolve the conflict. The piece argues that Washington risks repeating the strategic miscalculations seen in past Middle East interventions. Far from securing victory, such a move could deepen the US military and diplomatic quagmire in the region.
Iran's Qeshm Island: Why It Could Be Washington's Next Military Target in the Hormuz Battle
AL JAZEERA ARABICجزيرة قشم الإيرانية.. لماذا أصبحت هدفا أمريكيا محتملا في معركة هرمز؟
3/17/2026, 12:22:27 PM
Iran's Qeshm Island, located at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz, gives Tehran direct capability to monitor and threaten maritime traffic through missiles, fast boats and heavily fortified military infrastructure. Analysts say this makes it a prime candidate for US strikes in any operation aimed at securing the strait and neutralising Iran's offensive arsenal. Its strategic position effectively turns Qeshm into a chokepoint within a chokepoint, central to both Iranian deterrence and American war planning.
Iran Strikes Dubai and Doha as Gulf Tanker Hit Near Hormuz
FRANCE 24Nouvelles frappes iraniennes dans le Golfe, à Dubaï et Doha
3/17/2026, 7:14:01 AM
Iran has escalated its strikes against Gulf neighbours hosting US military bases and interests, with large explosions reported in Dubai and Doha. A tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, was damaged by an unidentified projectile, according to the British maritime agency UKMTO. The strikes signal a dangerous broadening of the conflict beyond Iranian borders into the heart of Gulf commerce and energy infrastructure.
Indian LPG Tanker Nanda Devi Docks in Gujarat After Navigating Strait of Hormuz
NDTVIn Big Energy Relief For India, LPG Tanker Nanda Devi Arrives At Gujarat Port
3/17/2026, 6:51:59 AM
The Indian LPG tanker Nanda Devi safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz and docked at a Gujarat port early Tuesday, carrying approximately 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas. It is the second LPG carrier to reach India within two days, providing significant energy relief amid heightened regional tensions. The successive arrivals signal India's continued ability to secure vital energy shipments through the strategically sensitive waterway.
Japan's New Government Caught Between Hormuz Crisis and Trump Pressure
EL PAÍSLa crisis en el estrecho de Ormuz y la presión de Trump ponen en aprietos al nuevo Gobierno de Japón
3/17/2026, 4:30:01 AM
Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October, faces her biggest diplomatic test as the Strait of Hormuz crisis threatens the country's critical oil supplies. Tokyo has been forced to undertake an unprecedented release of its strategic petroleum reserves to cushion the impact of disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. At the same time, pressure from the Trump administration is complicating Japan's efforts to navigate the crisis without taking sides in the wider Middle East confrontation.
Saudi Arabia's Thousand-Mile Gamble to Route Oil Around the Hormuz Blockade
EL PAÍSLa kilométrica respuesta saudí para esquivar el bloqueo de Ormuz y abrir el grifo del petróleo
3/17/2026, 4:25:00 AM
Saudi Arabia is rerouting part of its crude oil production through the East-West Pipeline to Red Sea terminals, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of a blockade following two weeks of war. In theory, this alternative route could offset up to 20% of Gulf oil flows, but it is already operating near full capacity. The strategy highlights both Riyadh's contingency planning and the severe logistical constraints of any long-term workaround.
Gulf States Lose Patience with Iran: "It Has Become an Enemy"
YNETמדינות המפרץ מאבדות סבלנות: "איראן הפכה לאויב"
3/17/2026, 4:09:01 AM
Eighteen days into the war, Gulf state leaders have crossed a threshold in their view of Iran, declaring it has "crossed every red line" by attacking its neighbours and closing the Strait of Hormuz. Regional leaders are now united around the position that Tehran's military capabilities must be comprehensively degraded. A key Gulf concern is that once the conflict ends, Iran will continue to use the Strait as a strategic hostage to threaten the region.
Allied Nations Split Over Trump's Call to Send Warships to the Strait of Hormuz
NHK WORLD【詳しく】ホルムズ海峡への艦船派遣 各国の対応分かれる
3/16/2026, 10:56:08 PM
US President Trump has asked multiple countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation. UK Prime Minister Starmer said he is consulting allies on a workable plan, while German Chancellor Merz flatly refused to join any military operation to secure the waterway by force. The diverging responses highlight growing divisions among Western allies over how to respond to threats in the strategically vital strait.
Trump's Challenge: Reopen the Strait of Hormuz Before the Global Economy Takes a Fatal Blow
YNETהאתגר של טראמפ: לפתוח את מצר הורמוז לפני פגיעה אנושה בכלכלה העולמית
3/16/2026, 10:53:08 PM
Iran is imposing a selective blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, throttling energy routes to major European and Asian economies and shaking global markets. Trump is pressing NATO allies to form an escort coalition for oil convoys, but they fear being dragged into a war the US initiated — while Putin stands as the primary beneficiary of soaring oil prices. Israel is providing intelligence for all options under consideration, and the Pentagon is reportedly preparing a plan to seize Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal.
Europe Doesn't Actually Rely on the Strait of Hormuz for Its Oil
FRANCE 24Non, l'Europe ne dépend pas du détroit d'Ormuz pour ses importations de pétrole
3/16/2026, 10:13:18 PM
Donald Trump has called on the international community to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that countries benefiting from it should share the burden — singling out Europe and China. However, while Asian nations are indeed heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil transiting the strait — Japan sourcing 95% of its oil from the region and China buying 80% of Iran's exports — European countries tell a different story. Europe sources the bulk of its oil from the United States and Norway, making it largely insulated from any disruption at Hormuz.
The Power of Weakness: Iran Is Down but Far from Out
YNETעוצמת החולשה
3/16/2026, 10:08:00 PM
Despite taking military blows, Iran entered this conflict prepared and continues to hold the world hostage through its leverage over global energy markets. The article warns that boastful declarations by too many leaders — including Israeli ones — are undermining the war effort by creating unrealistic expectations of a swift victory. The author argues that Iran's apparent weakness masks a strategic resilience that should not be underestimated.
Live: US-Israel Strikes on Iran — Lebanon Surpasses One Million Displaced as EU Mission in Baghdad Hit by Drone
EL PAÍSÚltima hora del ataque de Estados Unidos e Israel contra Irán, en directo | Líbano supera la barrera del millón de desplazados forzosos por la ofensiva israelí
3/16/2026, 10:07:33 PM
The United States and Israel have launched joint military strikes against Iran, triggering a major regional crisis. In Lebanon, the number of people forcibly displaced by the Israeli offensive has exceeded one million. A drone struck the EU mission headquarters in Baghdad without causing casualties, while Brussels rebuffed a US request for involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it "not Europe's war."
World Stays Silent as Trump Calls for Warships in the Strait of Hormuz
RTHow the world’s reacting to Trump’s call to patrol the Hormuz Strait
3/16/2026, 8:40:45 PM
US President Donald Trump has called on nations to send warships to patrol the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, amid rising tensions with Iran. The appeal has largely been met with silence from the international community, with few governments publicly endorsing or responding to the proposal. The muted reaction underscores the reluctance of US allies and other powers to be drawn into a potential confrontation in the Gulf.
Japan Weighs Naval Deployment to Strait of Hormuz Ahead of US-Japan Summit
NHK WORLD政府 艦船派遣期待で関係国に連絡し対応検討 日米首脳会談前に
3/16/2026, 8:12:51 PM
Ahead of a Japan-US summit, the Japanese government is consulting with allies including the UK and France on whether to dispatch naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, following calls from US President Trump for countries to contribute ships. Tokyo is carefully weighing its options, balancing diplomatic commitments with constitutional and strategic considerations. The deliberations reflect growing international pressure to secure the critical waterway amid heightened regional tensions.
Trump Rallies Allies to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open as Iranian Strikes Hit Gulf
NDTVTrump Seeks To Reopen Strait Of Hormuz Amid Iran War
3/16/2026, 7:42:11 PM
President Donald Trump has called on approximately seven nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian strikes continued to target Gulf states. The escalating military activity threatens one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Trump's demand underscores the growing urgency to maintain freedom of navigation amid the widening conflict with Iran.
Trump Lashes Out at NATO, Postpones China Trip and Claims He Can End Iran War in a Week
AL JAZEERA ARABICتوبيخ للناتو وتأجيل زيارة الصين ووعيد بحسم الحرب.. أبرز تصريحات ترمب الليلة
3/16/2026, 7:34:55 PM
President Trump launched a sharp public rebuke of NATO allies, accusing them of failing to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He also announced the postponement of his planned visit to China, while boasting that he could bring the war against Iran to a decisive end within a week.
Ex-IRGC Commander Warns Japanese Ships Will Be in Danger If Deployed to Hormuz
NHK WORLDイラン元司令官 海峡へ派遣で“日本艦船は危険にさらされる”
3/16/2026, 7:29:25 PM
A former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Japanese ships would be put in danger if they were deployed to the Strait of Hormuz, following reports that US President Trump has urged Japan and other nations to send vessels there. The ex-commander called on Japan to stay out of the dispute and avoid military involvement in the region. The warning signals Iran's intent to deter US allies from participating in any multinational naval presence near the strategically vital waterway.
Trump Scolds Allies for Lack of Enthusiasm Over Hormuz Shipping Protection
NDTVTrump Pushes For 'Enthusiasm' From US Allies To Secure Strait of Hormuz
3/16/2026, 6:21:23 PM
President Trump publicly criticized US allies on Monday for their lukewarm response to his appeal for joint efforts to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US war against Iran. Trump called for greater "enthusiasm" from partner nations to secure the critical waterway through which a significant share of global oil supply flows. The remarks underscore deepening tensions within the Western alliance over burden-sharing in the Gulf conflict.
Europe Pushes Back on Trump's Demands Over Strait of Hormuz: "This Is Not Our War"
EL PAÍSEuropa rechaza las amenazas de Trump para forzar su ayuda en el estrecho de Ormuz: “No es nuestra guerra”
3/16/2026, 6:04:00 PM
European allies are rejecting Donald Trump's pressure to join military efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, with officials insisting the conflict is not their war. Trump has continued to push allies, claiming some countries have privately committed to helping secure the vital oil transit route, though he declined to name them. The standoff highlights growing transatlantic tensions over burden-sharing in the escalating Middle East conflict involving Iran.
India Denies Tanker Release Linked to Hormuz Safe Passage Deal with Iran
NDTVCentre Trashes Reports Linking Release Of Tankers To Hormuz Access: Report
3/16/2026, 5:32:51 PM
The Indian government has dismissed reports claiming that Tehran is seeking the release of three oil tankers seized by India in exchange for guaranteeing safe passage to Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi firmly denied any such quid pro quo arrangement with Iran, calling the reports inaccurate. The denial comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region affecting maritime navigation and energy security.
US wants help to guard Strait of Hormuz, but EU isn't keen
DEUTSCHE WELLE3/16/2026, 5:20:00 PM
The Trump administration is pressing European allies to take on a greater role in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Gulf, but EU member states are reluctant to commit. Meanwhile, soaring energy prices triggered by regional instability are providing a windfall for Russia, undermining Ukraine and its European backers. The divergence highlights deepening transatlantic rifts over burden-sharing and energy security.
US wants help to guard Strait of Hormuz, but EU is not keen
DEUTSCHE WELLE3/16/2026, 5:20:00 PM
The Trump administration is pressing European allies to take on a greater role in securing the Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Gulf escalate. The EU, however, is reluctant to commit, wary of being drawn into a US-led military posture in the region. Meanwhile, Russia is capitalising on rising energy prices triggered by the tensions, dealing a further economic blow to Ukraine and its European supporters.
Trump: "Today We Bomb Near the Strait of Hormuz — Israel Won't Use Nuclear Weapons Against Iran"
YNETטראמפ: "היום נפציץ אזור שקשור למצר הורמוז. ישראל לא תשתמש בגרעין שלה נגד איראן"
3/16/2026, 4:43:01 PM
President Trump announced that the US would strike a target linked to the Strait of Hormuz and stated that Israel would not use nuclear weapons against Iran. He called on Western nations to help secure shipping through the strategically vital strait, expressing frustration that allies the US has protected for 40 years are reluctant to assist. Trump also claimed that Iranians want to reach a deal, dismissing their remaining leverage as "the worst kind of AI," pointing to AI-generated imagery showing buildings burning in Tel Aviv.
Hormuz War Risk Premiums Soar Amid US-Israeli Conflict with Iran
RTHormuz war risk premiums spike – Euronews
3/16/2026, 4:07:24 PM
The ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran has caused war risk insurance premiums in the Strait of Hormuz to surge dramatically, making it the world's most expensive waterway for shipping, according to Euronews. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which a significant share of the world's oil passes, and the escalating conflict is raising serious concerns about global energy supply chains. The spike in premiums reflects the heightened danger faced by commercial vessels navigating the volatile region.
Israeli Officials Blast Europe's "Spinelessness" on Iran: "France and Britain Are Doormats"
YNETבכירים בישראל נגד "רפיסות" אירופה מול איראן: "צרפת ובריטניה - סמרטוטי רצפה"
3/16/2026, 2:51:35 PM
Senior Israeli officials in Jerusalem have sharply criticised European powers — particularly France and the UK — for refusing to defend shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz and for failing to adequately support the US-Israel war effort against Iran. Officials accused the Europeans of "hypocrisy" and said they had squandered a historic opportunity, calling Macron and Starmer's governments "doormats." Germany's Chancellor Merz was among the few European leaders to receive any praise from Jerusalem.
India denies blanket deal with Iran over Strait of Hormuz ship transit
RTIndia comments on Strait of Hormuz talks with Iran
3/16/2026, 6:55:41 AM
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has clarified that there is no "blanket arrangement" with Iran guaranteeing safe transit for Indian-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz. His comments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region affecting maritime navigation. India is seeking to protect its shipping interests while managing its diplomatic relationship with Tehran.
Trump Calls for Global 'Team Effort' to Secure the Strait of Hormuz
RTSecuring Strait of Hormuz should be ‘a team effort’ – Trump
3/15/2026, 12:49:46 PM
US President Donald Trump has called on China, Japan and other nations to jointly take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a "team effort." The appeal underscores Washington's desire to share the burden of protecting the critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of the world's oil passes. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump Lashes Out at Allies Who Refused to Help Secure the Strait of Hormuz
RTTrump criticizes allies who declined his calls to help secure Strait of Hormuz
3/14/2026, 9:45:58 PM
President Trump has publicly criticized allied nations that declined his requests to contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the region. The standoff is already hitting American consumers hard, with US gas prices reaching their highest level since October 2023 and diesel approaching $5 a gallon. The dispute highlights deepening fractures in Western alliances over burden-sharing in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Trump Calls on China and Allies to Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz as US-Israel War on Iran Enters Third Week
RTTrump demands China, other nations deploy warships to Strait of Hormuz (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)
3/13/2026, 8:55:34 PM
Now in its third week, the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran continues with long-range strikes and escalating rhetoric on both sides. President Trump has called on China and other nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions. The demand underscores the conflict's growing global dimensions and threat to critical maritime energy corridors.
Iran assures India of safe passage through Strait of Hormuz
RTIranian envoy signals safe passage for Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz
3/13/2026, 3:22:07 PM
Iran's ambassador to India has confirmed that Indian ships will have safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the two countries' strong bilateral ties. The assurance comes amid heightened regional tensions and concerns about potential disruptions to the critical oil transit chokepoint. Tehran framed the guarantee as a reflection of its longstanding friendship with New Delhi.
US-Israeli War on Iran Costs Gulf States Billions in Energy Revenue
RTUS-Israeli war on Iran wipes billions off Gulf energy revenues – FT
3/13/2026, 2:20:43 PM
The US-Israeli military campaign against Iran has wiped billions of dollars off Gulf states' energy revenues, according to the Financial Times. Escalating regional tensions have effectively cut several US allies off from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil exports. The losses underscore the far-reaching economic fallout of the conflict on neighbouring energy-producing nations.